Body prosthetic implement

ABSTRACT

A body orthosis having a pair of body protective members adjacent to each other in a vertical direction, in which one of the body protective member  1  is constituted so as to rotate freely with respect to the other body protective member  2 , the body orthosis including rotational load setting means  8  for setting a rotational load in one rotational direction of the rotatably constructed body protective member  2  larger than a rotational load in the other rotational direction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a body orthosis especiallyeffective as a body corrective orthosis for talipes equinovarus, thebody orthosis having a pair of body protective members adjacent to eachother in a vertical direction, in which one of the body protectivemembers is constituted so as to rotate around an axial center in adirection perpendicular to the adjacent direction thereof with respectto the other body protective member.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) means a disorder of a walkingfunction, which causes stumbling easily by stubbing a toe against theground during walking. This is because inward bending of a foot directsits sole inward, and impossibility of controlling an ankle causes atiptoe side of the foot (referred to toe, hereinafter) to droopdownward.

[0003] In order to prevent the stumbling during walking, a toe iscorrected upward generally to prevent the drooping downward of the toe.Various types of body orthoses have been proposed for the purpose ofcorrection. As shown in FIG. 5C, a state of a foot positioned parallelto a horizontal direction orthogonal to a leg of a posture parallel to avertical direction (indicated by a solid line) is set as a normal state.A case of lifting the foot around a malleolus (not shown) from thenormal state as indicated by a virtual line (chain double-dashed line)is called dorsiflexion, while a case of lowering the foot from thenormal state is called plantar flexion.

[0004] In the conventional body orthosis, for example, against an upperbody protective members adjacent to each other in upper and lowerdirections, a lower body protective member is rotatably constructed. Thelower body protective member is set to be rotatable only within apredetermined angle (e.g., 45°) to the dorsiflexion side from the normalstate. Thus, dorsiflexion is carried out while plantar flexion from thenormal state is prevented.

[0005] In the case of walking on a flat land by using the conventionalbody orthosis, a leg is slightly inclined forward immediately before theleg of a healthy side is stepped forward to lift a foot of the bodyprotective member side (see FIG. 7B). Thus, simultaneously with thelifting of the foot, the lower body protective member rotated to thedorsiflexion side is returned to the normal state by weight of the foot,making it possible to reduce stumbling more compared with the case ofthe drooped toe. However, in walking on a downward slope, the bodyprotective member of the foot side (lower side) need to be rotated tothe plantar flexion side against the body protective member of the legside (upper side). With the above-described constitution, however,plantar flexion cannot be carried out, resulting in unstable walking ofa forward-inclined posture. Thus, walking of a near natural statebecomes difficult. Moreover, in walking on an upward slope, by landingthe foot, the lower body protective member loading and supporting thefoot can be subjected to dorsiflexion. However, when the foot in thestate of dorsiflexion was lifted, the lower body protective member wasreturned to a horizontal posture by the weight of the foot, causing thetoe to touch the slope and stumble. Moreover, by changing theconstitution to one having a rotational angle for enabling plantarflexion on the downward slope, walking can be carried out on thedownward slope. However, walking from the downward slope to the flatland or the upward slope is impossible with this constitution. Thus, ithas been extremely difficult to handle the body orthosis.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention was made in consideration of the abovedescribed situation, and it is an object of the invention to provide abody orthosis for enabling walking of a near natural state without anylimits on planar flexion or dorsiflexion.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-described object, a body orthosisof the present invention is characterized in that the body orthosishaving a pair of body protective members adjacent to each other in avertical direction, in which one of the body protective members inconstituted so as to rotate freely with respect to the other bodyprotective member, the body orthosis including rotational load settingmeans for setting a rotational load in one rotational direction of therotatably constructed body protective member larger than a rotationalload in the other rotational direction.

[0008] Thus, by setting a rotational load to the plantar flexion sidelarger than that to the dorsiflexion side, when the landed foot islifted, the foot can be held by the body orthosis at an angle of thefoot immediately before the lifting. Moreover, a load applied by a partof weight caused by the landing of the foot is converted into a rotatingforce for rotating the body protective member. Accordingly, even when alarge rotational load is set, the body protective member can be smoothlyrotated.

[0009] The body protective member includes a sole plate for loading andsupporting at least a part of a sole, and a leg protective plate forprotecting at least a part of a leg, and side ends adjacent to thesemembers are connected to each other by the rotational load settingmeans, thus constructing a lower limb orthosis.

[0010] When walking is carried out by using the body protective membercomposed of the left protective plate and the sole plate, the sole plateis rotated by a load applied at the time of landing the sole plate so asto set its bottom surface parallel to the ground, and when the soleplate is lifted, a renge of the rotational load is set so as to maintainthe sole plate and the leg protective plate in states immediately beforethe lifting.

[0011] By setting the rotational load as described above, it is possibleto not only prevent contact of the toe with the slope to stumble whenthe foot is lifted, but also smoothly rotate the sole plate by a load (apart of weight) applied at the time of landing when the sole plate islanded.

[0012] The leg protective plate includes a facies posterior cruris cufffor protecting a calf, and a calcaneus portion in the rear side of thesole plate and an Achilles' tendon portion in a lower end rear side ofthe facies posterior cruris cuff are formed to be open.

[0013] The calcaneus portion in the rear side of the sole plate and theAchilles' tendon portion in the lower end rear side of the faciesposterior cruris cuff, which cause no problems in strength, are formedto be open type. Accordingly, not only weight can be made light, butalso the shoe can be easily put on. Moreover, flexibility of the soleplate and the facies posterior cruris cuff can be adjusted.

[0014] By setting the rotational center of the facies posterior cruriscuff substantially equal to the upper-and-lower height position of thefoot joint axis of hominal physiology, the foot joint axis of the humanbody can be brought into rough coincidence with the rotational center ofthe facies posterior cruris cuff or the rotational center of the soleplate. Thus, the foot joint axis of the human body can be moved moreeasily.

[0015] By forming an opening in the center of the upper and lower sidesof the facies posterior cruris cuff, weight saving thereof can berealized, and flexibility can be improved.

[0016] The fixing member is provided to fix the human body to the faciesposterior cruris cuff or the sole plate over the left and right frontends of the facies posterior cruris cuff or the left and right upperends of the sole plate. Accordingly, it is possible to preventfalling-off of the body orthosis in walking.

[0017] The rotational load setting means is made of the one-way bearingprovided in the rotary shaft portion of the rotatably constructed bodyprotective member. Accordingly, a rotational load to one side (e.g.,dorsiflexion side) can be removed as much as possible, and a rotationalload to the other side (e.g., plantar flexion side) can be set to arange for preventing rotation of the sole plate caused by the weight ofthe foot placed on the sole plate.

[0018] When walking using the body orthosis including the sole plate forloading and supporting at least a part of a sole, and a leg protectiveplate for protecting at least a part of a leg, the one-way bearingprovided in a rotary shaft portion of the leg protective plate to rotatethe sole plate by a load applied at the time of landing the sole plateso as to set its bottom surface parallel to the ground in walking, andmaintain the sole plate and the leg protective plate in statesimmediately before lifting when the sole plate is lifted.

[0019] As described above, a rotational load to one side (e.g.,dorsiflexion side) can be removed as much as possible, and a rotationalload to the other side (e.g., plantar flexion side) can be set to arange for preventing rotation of the sole plate caused by the weight ofthe foot placed on the sole plate. Thus, without any limitations ondorsiflexion or plantar flexion, walking can be carried out in a muchmore natural state.

[0020] The body orthosis of the present invention may be installedbeforehand in the shoe. Since the loading portion or the like are housedbeforehand in the shoe, the body orthosis can be worn without discomfortand can even be used for exercise or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, the body orthosis can be constructed in such amanner that the protective plates of the upper and front arm portionsare connected to each other by the rotational load setting means. Thebody orthosis can be also constructed in such a manner that theprotective plates of the thigh and the lower thigh are connected to eachother by the rotational load setting means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a front view of a body orthosis according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the body orthosis according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 3 is a side view of the body orthosis loaded on a lower limbaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 4A is a front view showing a relation between a stopper andan inner side cylindrical member.

[0026]FIG. 4B is a view showing a state where the stopper shown in FIG.4A is rotated by 180°.

[0027]FIG. 4C is an explanatory view showing a range of rotation whenthe stopper of FIG. 4A is used.

[0028]FIG. 5A is a front view showing a relation between a stopper widerthan the stopper shown in FIG. 4 and the inner side cylindrical member.

[0029]FIG. 5B is a view showing a state where the wide stopper shown inFIG. 5A is rotated by 180°.

[0030]FIG. 5C is an explanatory view showing a range of rotation whenthe stopper of FIG. 5A is used.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a rotary portion of a bodyprotective member according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0032]FIG. 7A is a view showing a state where both feet set in line witheach other in walking on a flat road by the body orthosis of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 7B is a view showing a state where a left foot is steppedforward in walking on the flat road by the body orthosis of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 7C is a view showing a state immediately before a right footis stepped forward and landed in walking on the flat road by the bodyorthosis of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 7D is a view showing a landed state of the right foot steppedforward in walking on the flat land by the body orthosis of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 8A is a view showing a state where both feet are set in linewith each other in walking on an upward slope by the body orthosis ofthe first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 8B is a view showing a state where the left foot is steppedforward in walking on the upward slope by the body orthosis of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 8C is a view showing a state immediately before the rightfoot is stepped forward and landed in walking on the upward slope by thebody orthosis of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 8D is a view showing a landed state of the right foot steppedforward in walking on the upward slope by the body orthosis of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 9A is a view showing a state where both feet are set in linewith each other in walking on a downward slope by the body orthosis ofthe first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 9B is a view showing a state where the left foot is steppedforward in walking on the downward slope by the body orthosis of thepresent invention.

[0042]FIG. 9C is a view showing a state immediately before the rightfoot is stepped forward and landed in walking on the downward slope bythe body orthosis of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 9D is a view showing a landed state of the right foot steppedforward in walking on the downward slope by the body orthosis of thefirst embodiment of the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 10A is a side view showing a modified example of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0045]FIG. 10B is a rear view showing the modified example of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of thepresent invention attached to an arm portion.

[0047]FIG. 11B is a front view showing the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0048]FIG. 11C is a side view showing the second embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0049]FIG. 12A is a side view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention attached to a leg portion.

[0050]FIG. 12B is a front view showing the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0051]FIG. 12C is a rear view showing the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0052]FIG. 12D is a view showing setting of a load according to thethird embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

[0053] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a body orthosis according to a first embodimentof the present invention. This body orthosis includes two bodyprotective members as main constitutional members. These two members area facies posterior cruris cuff (leg protective plate) 1 provided with apair of left and right flared portions 1A and 1A formed bent in a nearcircular-arc shape when seen from a plane to protect a calf in a rearsurface of a shank, and extended forward in an upper end side to cover apart of the shank, and a sole plate 2 nearly U-shaped when seen from afront, provided with a loading portion 2A having a horizontal surface toload and support a foot (part below an ankle), and rising portions 2Band 2B rising from both left and right sides of the loading portion 2A.The facies posterior cruris cuff 1 and the sole plate 2 adjacent to eachother in upper and lower directions are connected so as to be rotatedaround a horizontal axial center. A lower limb below a knee can be fixedto the body orthosis by two belts 3 and 4 shown in the drawing. Thebelts 3 and 4 as the fixing members both made of hook-and-loopfasteners, which can adjust fastening position continuously. These beltsmay be made of rubber belts, cords or the like. The belts may even beomitted when the facies posterior cruris cuff 1 and the sole plate 2themselves have holding forces to hold the lower limb. One end of thebelt 3 is fixed to a front end of one transverse side of the faciesposterior cruris cuff 1. Ring-shaped metal fittings 5 are fixed to afront end of the other transverse side of the curst rear cuff 1 to get atip of the belt 3 through. One end of the belt 4 is fixed to an upperend of one transverse side of the sole plate 2. A hole 2D is formed inan upper end of the other transverse side of the sole plate 2 to pass atip of the belt 4.

[0054] The facies posterior cruris cuff 1 and the sole plate 2 are madeof various synthetic resins such as polyethylene or by partially mixingthose various synthetic resins with other substances such as syntheticrubber and metal to have flexibility. Accordingly, fatigue by long-timeuse causes no deformation, deterioration and the like even while weightsaving thereof is realized. In addition, advantages including capabilityof satisfactorily absorbing a twisting load received from the body inwalking, and capability of restoring an original shape when no loads areapplied are provided. However, materials other than the synthetic resinscan be used.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, Achilles' tendon portion 1B in a lower endrear side of the facies posterior cruris cuff 1, and a calcaneus portion2C in a rear side of the sole plate 2 are formed to be open.Accordingly, the entire body orthosis can be reduced in weight, and ashoe can be easily put on. Moreover, the flexibility of the faciesposterior cruris cuff 1 and the sole plate 2 can be adjusted. In thedrawing, the shoe is omitted. Reference numeral 1C shown in the drawingdenotes an opening portion formed nearly in a center of the upper andlower directions of the facies posterior cruris cuff 2, which enablesthe entire body orthosis to be reduced more in weight.

[0056] Description will be made for support structures for rotatablysupporting both left and right sides of the lower end of the faciesposterior cruris cuff 1, and both left and right sides of the upper endof the sole plate 2. Note that the left and right sides have identicalsupport structures, therefore only one side will be described.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, circular openings 1K are formed in both leftand right sides of the lower part of the facies posterior cruris cuff 1.An inner side cylindrical member 6 made of metal (any material can beused as long as it has rigidity, such as a synthetic resin) and having aflange 6A in one end is inserted from inside into the opening 1K. Theflange 6A and the facies posterior cruris cuff 1 are fixed to each otherby a plurality of screws B1. Moreover, a circular opening 2K is formedin the upper end of the sole plate 2. An outer member 7 circular inouter shape, made of metal (any material can be used as long as it hasrigidity, such as a synthetic resin) and having a flange 7A and anannular and circular concave portion 7B is inserted from inside into theopening 2K. The flange 7A and the sole plate 2 are fixed to each otherby a plurality of screws B2. Then, an annular one-way bearing 8 asrotational load setting means is fitted around a circular rotary shaftportion 7C formed in a center of the outer member 7. By thefitting-around of the one-way bearing 8, space is partially used in theconcave portion 7B, and the inner side cylindrical member 6 is fitted ina remaining space of the concave portion 7B. Moreover, a later-describedstopper 9 fitted in a protruded portion 7D formed in one end of an axialdirection of the rotary shaft portion 7C is fixed to the protrudedportion 7D by one screw B3. By providing the one-way bearing 8, arotational load applied to one rotational direction, i.e., adorsiflexion direction for subjecting the sole plate 2 to dorsiflexion,can be set equal to 0, or near 0. For smoother walking, it is optimum toset a rotational load applied to the other rotational direction, i.e.,in a plantar flexion direction for subjecting the sole plate 2 toplantar flexion, equal to a range for maintaining the sole plate 2 andthe facies posterior cruris cuff 1 in states immediately before liftingwhen the sole plate 2 is lifted. However, a rotational load can be setto any range as long as the sole plate 2 and the facies posterior cruriscuff 1 can be maintained in states immediately before lifting when thesole plate 2 is lifted, and the sole plate 2 can be rotated to take aposture having its bottom surface set parallel to or along a groundplane (ground) by a load applied from a leg when the sole plate 2 islanded. The inner side cylindrical member 6 and the outer side member 7may be omitted, the one-way bearing 8 may be attached to one of the soleplate 2 and the facies posterior cruris cuff 1, and both may be maderotatable. The one-way bearing 8 is used as the rotational load settingmeans. However, various bearings, friction units or the like for settinga rotational load of one direction larger than that of the otherdirection can be used.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, upper and lower height positions H of ahominal physiology foot joint axis (or talocrural joint axis) are setequal to the same height as that of a rotational center X of the faciesposterior cruris cuff 1, and the rotational center is set in a positionintersecting a vertical line shown in FIG. 3, i.e., in a rough centerposition of a back and forth direction. This setting of the rotationalcenter X of the facies posterior cruris cuff 1 shown in the drawing isoptimum. However, the rotational center X may be set in a slightlyshifted position.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4A, the stopper 9 includes a disk portion 9Aslid into contact with the cylindrical member side end surface (diameterdirection inner end surface) of the flange 6A of the inner sidecylindrical member 6 to guide the same following rotation of the innerside cylindrical member 6, and a nearly reverse-trapezoidal protrudedportion 9B protruded in a diameter direction in a part of an outerperipheral edge of the disk portion 9A. Long grooves 6B and 6C differentfrom each other in length are formed in two places of an outerperipheral direction in the cylindrical member side end (diameterdirection inner end) of the flange 6A of the inner side cylindricalmember 6. The protruded portion 9B is inserted into one of the longgrooves 6B and 6C, i.e., the long groove 6B (upper side in the drawing).Accordingly, from a state of a foot joint of 0°, i.e., a state of nearly90° between a foot B and a leg A (indicated by a solid line) as shown inFIG. 4C, the sole plate 2 can be rotated by 45° (angle range of D1 shownin FIGS. 4A and 4C) to a dorsiflexion side with 20° to a plantar flexionside. In both ends of the long groove 6B or 6C, notched portions 6 b or6 c are formed in circular-arc shapes toward the diameter outer side.Thus, smooth rotation can be made on both ends even without accuratelyforming the long grooves 6B and 6C to both ends thereof.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4B, the stopper 9 may be rotated by 180° toinsert the protruded portion 9B into the other long groove 6C (lowerside in the drawing). Accordingly, from the state of the foot joint of0° similar to the above, the sole plate 2 can be rotated by 45° (anglerange of D2 shown in FIG. 4B) to the dorsiflexion side with 65° (anglerange of C2 shown in FIG. 4B) to the plantar flexion side.

[0061]FIG. 5A shows a stopper having an outer peripheral directiondimension (width dimension) of a protruded portion larger (wider) thanthat of the protruded portion 9B of the stopper 9. From the state of thefoot joint of 0° similar to the above, the sole plate 2 can be rotatedby 45° (angle range of D3 shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C) only to thedorsiflexion side.

[0062] The stopper 9 shown in FIG. 5A may be rotated by 180° to insertthe protruded portion 9B in the other long groove 6C (lower side in thedrawing). Accordingly, from the state of the foot joint of 0° similar tothe above, the sole plate 2 can be rotated by 45° (angle range of D4shown in FIG. 5B) to the dorsiflexion side with 45° (angle range of C3shown in FIG. 5B) to the plantar flexion side.

[0063] Note that, a movable range of the foot joint of the human body isless than 45° for both dorsiflesion and plantar flexion (less than 35°in some cases). By setting a rotational angle to 45° as described above,a state similar to a free state of no angle limitations is achieved forthe human body. Moreover, the rotational angle limitation is not limitedto the above-described set angle. The rotational angle limitation may benecessary for changes according to a symptom degree (level) of thetalipes equinovarus or the like. However, no problems occur when thestopper 9 is omitted, and performed in a completely free state.

[0064] Description will be made for the case of walking with the bodyorthosis constructed in the foregoing manner loaded on an affected part.First, in the case of walking on a flat road having a level ground, froma state where a left foot of a healthy side and a right foot wearing thebody orthosis are in line with each other when seen from a side as shownin FIG. 7A, the left foot of the healthy side is stepped forward. Then,as shown in FIG. 7B, a leg A of the right foot of the orthosis side isinclined by 15° from a vertical side (angle of E1 in FIG. 7B). In thiscase, a rotational load to the dorsiflexion side is 0 or near 0, andthus the facies posterior cruris cuff 1 can be rotated to set an angleof the leg A smoothly. Subsequently, when the right foot of the orthosisis lifted to be stepped forward, as shown in FIG. 7C, the right foot canbe moved while a posture immediately before the lifting (posture of theleg A of the right foot being inclined forward by 15° from a verticalposture). Thus, a toe of the right foot is prevented from droopingforward to be caught on the ground. When the right foot lifted from theground is landed on the ground, a load applied from the foot at the timeof landing rotates the sole plate 2 by 15° (angle of E2 in FIG. 7D) tothe plantar flexion side, thereby changing a posture of the sole plate 2so as to set its bottom surface parallel to the ground.

[0065] Next, description will be made for the case of walking on anupward slope (ascending slope). As shown in FIG. 8A, from a state wherethe left foot of the healthy side and the right foot wearing the bodyorthosis are in line with each other when seen from the side,specifically from a posture of the leg inclined forward by 15° (angle ofF1 in FIG. 8A) from a vertical posture to both feet, the left foot ofthe healthy side is stepped forward. Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the legA of the right foot of the orthosis side is further inclined by 15° fromthe forward inclined posture to take a forward inclined posture ofinclination of 30° (angle of F2 in FIG. 8D). In this case, a rotationalload to the dorsiflexion side is 0 or near 0, and thus the faciesposterior cruris cuff 1 can be rotated to match an angle of the leg Asmoothly. Subsequently, when the right foot of the orthosis side islifted from the ground to be stepped forward, as shown in FIG. 8C, theright foot can be moved while the posture immediately before the lifting(posture of the leg A of the right foot being inclined forward by 30°)is maintained. Accordingly, a toe of the right foot is prevented fromdrooping forward to be stubbed a toe against the ground. When the rightfoot lifted from the ground is landed on the ground, a load applied fromthe foot at the time of landing rotates the sole plate 2 to the plantarflexion side by 30° (angle of F3 in FIG. 8D), thereby changing theposture of the sole plate 2 so as to set its bottom surface parallel tothe ground.

[0066] Lastly, description will be made for the case of walking on adownward slope. As shown in FIG. 9A, from a state where the left foot ofthe healthy side and the right foot wearing the body orthosis are inline with each other when seen from the side, specifically from aposture of the leg inclined backward by 15° (angle of G1 in FIG. 9A)from a vertical posture to both feet, the left foot of the healthy sideis stepped forward. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the leg A of the rightfoot of the orthosis side is inclined forward from the backward inclinedposture to take a vertical posture against the ground. In this case, arotational load to the dorsiflexion side is 0 or near 0, and thus thefacies posterior cruris cuff 1 can be rotated to match an angle of theleg A smoothly. Subsequently, when the right foot of the orthosis sideis lifted from the ground to be stepped forward, as shown in FIG. 9C,the left foot can be moved while the posture immediately before thelifting (posture of the leg A of the right foot being vertical to theground) is maintained. Accordingly, a toe of the right foot is preventedfrom drooping forward to be stubbed a toe agaist the ground. When theright foot lifted from the ground is landed on the ground, a loadapplied from the foot at the time of landing rotates the sole plate 2 tothe plantar flexion side by 30° (angle of G2 in FIG. 9D), therebychanging the posture of the sole plate 2 so as to set its bottom surfaceparallel to the ground.

[0067]FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views showing a body orthosis of amodified example of the first embodiment described above. In themodified example, a portion below the outer side member 7 in the firstembodiment is provided integrally with a shoe 15.

[0068] In the modified example, the belt 4 as the fixing member isomitted, because a foot is fixed by front and tongue cuir portions 17and 16 of the shoe 15. A cord, stretching rubber or the like may beprovided in the front cuir portion 17, thereby fixing an instep of thefoot. A flared portion 2B is provided beforehand along an inner portion18 inside the shoe. Similarly, a loading portion 2A is integrated withan inner bottom portion 12 or a sole portion 11 inside the shoe. In thiscase, the loading portion may be fixed by a screw or the like.

[0069] Other components are substantially similar to those of theforegoing first embodiment, and thus overlapped description thereof willbe omitted. In the modified example, the portion formed integrally withthe shoe was substantially below the calf. However, the flared portion1A and the shape of the lower limb cuff 1 may be properly adjustedaccording to a type of a shoe or use. Moreover, an opening foradjustment may be provided in the shoe for adjustment by rotational loadadjusting means.

[0070] When a shoe or the like was put on after loading of the firstembodiment, the shoe became narrower inside by an amount equivalent to athickness of the flared portion 2C or the loading portion 2A, and inaddition the shoe and the body orthosis were separate. This arrangementwas therefore inconvenient for exercise. According to the modifiedexample, the flared portion and the loading portion are housedbeforehand in the shoe, and thus uncomfortable feeling is reduced inexercise or the like. Moreover, since the outer side member 7 is housedin the shoe, a connected portion is protected.

Second Embodiment

[0071]FIGS. 11A to 11C show a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0072] A body orthosis 20 includes a cuff 21 having a pair of left andright flared portions 21A and 21A for protecting a rear part of an upperarm portion, a front arm cuff 22 similarly having a pair of left andright flared portions 22A and 22A for protecting a rear part of a frontarm portion. The body orthosis 20 is bent in a circular-arc shape. Thecuffs 21 and 22 of the upper and front arm portions are connected toeach other so as to be rotated around a horizontal axial centersubstantially from a cubital fossa to an elbow. In this case, the outerside member 7 and the inner member 6 are connected to each other byconnecting members 25A and 25B respectively for the upper and front armcuffs 21 and 22. Then, the two connecting members 25A and 25B arerespectively fixed to the cuffs 21 and 22 by screws 29 or the like.

[0073] Moreover, by four belts 23A to 23D provided in the body orthosis20, upper and front arms can be fixed to the body orthosis 20. As in thecase of the fixing belts 3 and 4 described above with reference to thefirst embodiment, fastening positions of the belts 23A to 23D as fixingmembers can be adjusted continuously. Note that the fixing members onlyneed to fix the body orthosis 20, and the number thereof may be otherthan four, and made of cords or the like. Though not shown, adjustmentmay be made by using the metal fittings 5 or the like.

[0074] The cuffs 21 and 22 for the upper and front arms respectively areprovided openings 27 and 28 formed on portions roughly on backsides ofthe upper and front arm portions. Accordingly, weight saving isrealized. Other components are substantially similar to those of thefirst embodiment, and thus overlapped description thereof will beomitted.

[0075] According to the body orthosis 20 of the embodiment, differentfrom a plaster cast or the like for simply fixing an arm portion,setting of a load is properly adjusted to provide a body orthosis, whichmatches a condition of a user.

Third Embodiment

[0076]FIGS. 12A to 12D show a body orthosis according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

[0077]FIG. 12A is a side view showing a body orthosis 30 of theembodiment. The body orthosis 30 includes a thigh cuff 31 having a pairof left and right flared portions 31A and 31A for protecting a rear partof a thigh portion, and a lower thigh cuff 32 similarly having a pair ofleft and right flared portions 32A and 32A for protecting a rear part ofa lower thigh. The body orthosis 30 is bent in a circular-arc shape. Thecuffs 31 and 32 for the thigh and lower thigh portions are connected toeach other so as to be rotated around a horizontal axial centersubstantially from a knee fossa to a knee. In this case, the outer sidemember 7 and the inner member 6 are connected to each other byconnecting members 37A and 37B respectively for the thigh and lowerthigh cuffs 31 and 32. Then, the two connecting members 37A and 37B arerespectively fixed to the cuffs 31 and 32 by screws 29 or the like. Byfive belts 33A to 33E provided in the body orthosis 30, the lower thighand thigh portions can be fixed to the body orthosis 30. Though notshown, adjustment may be made by using the metal fittings 5 or the like.The cuffs 31 and 32 for the thigh and lower thigh portions respectivelyare provided openings 35 and 36 formed on portions roughly on a backsideof the thigh portion and around the calf. Thus, weight saving isrealized.

[0078] For example, in the body orthosis 30, as shown in FIG. 12D, arotational load is set roughly equal to 0 when a knee portion is bent inone rotational direction R1. When the knee portion is bent in anopposite rotational direction R2, a rotational load is set larger thanthat in the direction R1. According to these settings, for example inthe case of ascending the stairs, when a foot wearing the body orthosis30 in an opposite side is lifted with a foot of a healthy side set as asupport, since the load of the direction R1 is roughly 0, the kneeportion can be naturally bent to a position sufficient for ascending thestairs following bending of the thigh portion. Then, until the footwearing the body orthosis 30 reaches a next step of the stairs by weightmovement with the foot of the healthy side set as a fulcrum, an angle ofthe knee portion can be maintained in the above-described position sincethe load of the rotational direction R2 is set large. After the weightmovement, when the foot wearing the body orthosis 30 reaches a stairsurface, the body orthosis 30 is rotated by a part of a load applied tothe leg portion.

[0079] As described above, by using the body orthosis 30 of the thirdembodiment, not only in normal walking but also exercise where a loadlarger compared with walking on a flat land, such asascending/descending of the stairs, is applied to one knee, walking canbe assisted, and shocks can be absorbed.

[0080] The body orthosis of the first embodiment may be attached to theankle, and that of the third embodiment may be used for the knee. Othercomponents are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment,and thus overlapped description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] Furthermore, the body orthosis of the present invention can beapplied to a joint connecting portion such as a wrist or a shoulderother than the foregoing embodiment. The shape and specific constitutionof the body orthosis can be properly changed freely.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0082] According to the present invention, by setting a rotational loadto the plantar flexion side larger than that to the dorsiflexion side,when the landed foot is lifted, the foot can be held by the bodyorthosis at an angle of the foot-immediately before the lifting.Accordingly, it is possible to not only prevent the drooping of the toeto be stubbed against the ground simultaneously with the lifting of thefood, but also make light and smooth rotation to the dorsiflexion side.A load applied by a part of weight caused by the landing of the foot isconverted into a rotating force for rotating the body protective member.Accordingly, even when a large rotational load is set, plantar flexionhitherto impossible can be carried out by smoothly rotating the bodyprotective member. Therefore, not only on the flat land but also onslopes (upward and downward), and any other places (changing situationof road surface) for walking from the flat land to the slope, from theslope to the flat land and the like, it is possible to provide a bodyorthosis for enabling walking of a near natural state to be carried outwhile plantar flexion or dorsiflexion is executed smoothly.

[0083] According to the present invention, by a load applied at the timeof landing the sole plate, the sole plate is rotated so as to set itsbottom surface parallel to the ground, and a rotational load is set soas to maintain the sole plate and the leg protective plate in statesimmediately before lifting when the sole plate is lifted. Thus, it ispossible to construct a body orthosis to be handled much more easily,which can not only prevent contact of the toe with the slope to stumblewhen the foot is lifted, but also smoothly rotate the sole plate by aload (a part of weight) applied at the time of landing.

[0084] According to the present invention, the calcaneus portion in therear side of the sole plate and the Achilles' tendon portion in thelower end rear side of the facies posterior cruris cuff 1, which causeno problems in strength, are formed to be open. Accordingly, not onlyweight becomes light, but also the shoe can be easily put on. Moreover,flexibility of the sole plate and the facies posterior cruris cuff canbe also adjusted, making the body orthosis compatible to a patient.

[0085] According to the present invention, by setting the rotationalcenter of the facies posterior cruris cuff substantially equal to theupper-and-lower height position of the foot joint axis of hominalphysiology, the foot joint axis of the human body can be brought intorough coincidence with the rotational center of the facies posteriorcruris cuff or the rotational center of the sole plate. Thus, the footjoint axis of the human body can be moved more easily, making the bodyorthosis much easier to be handled.

[0086] According to the present invention, by forming an opening in thecenter of the upper and lower sides of the facies posterior cruris cuff,weight saving can be further realized, and flexibility can be improved.Thus, it is possible to construct a body orthosis optimal for anypatients.

[0087] According to the present invention, the fixing member is providedto fix the human body to the facies posterior cruris cuff or the soleplate over the left and right front ends of the facies posterior cruriscuff or the left and right upper ends of the sole plate. Accordingly, itis possible to prevent falling-off of the body orthosis in walking,thereby offering facilitating walking advantage.

[0088] According to the present invention, the rotational load settingmeans is constituted of an one-way bearing provided in the rotary shaftportion of the rotatably constructed body protective member.Accordingly, a rotational load to one side (e.g., dorsiflexion side) canbe removed as much as possible, and a rotational load to the other side(e.g., plantar flexion side) can be set to a size for preventingrotation of the sole plate caused by the weight of the foot placed onthe sole plate. Thus, walking can be made more much more natural(smoother).

[0089] According to the present invention, a rotational load to one side(e.g., dorsiflexion side) can be removed as much as possible, and arotational load to the other side (e.g., plantar flexion side) can beset to a size for preventing rotation of the sole plate caused by theweight of the foot placed on the sole plate. Thus, it is possible toprovide a body orthosis having no limitations on dorsiflexion or plantarflexion, and enabling walking to be carried out in a much more naturalstate.

[0090] The body orthosis of the present invention may be installedbeforehand in the shoe. Since the loading portion or the like are housedbeforehand in the shoe, the body orthosis can even be used for exerciseor the like.

[0091] According to the present invention, the body orthosis can beconstructed in such a manner that the protective plates of the upper andfront arm portions are connected to each other by the rotational loadsetting means. Thus, by setting one rotational load larger compared withthe other rotational load, it is possible to provide a body orthosis foran elbow, which matches a condition of the user.

[0092] According to the present invention, the body orthosis can beconstructed in such a manner that the protective plates of the thigh andthe lower thigh are connected to each other by the rotational loadsetting means. Thus, by setting one rotational load larger compared withthe other rotational load, it is possible to provide a body orthosis fora knee, which can properly compensate for the bending of the knee inascending/descending of the stairs or the like, and prevent stumbling orthe like.

What is claimed is:
 1. A body orthosis having a pair of body protectivemembers adjacent to each other in a vertical direction, in which one ofthe body protective members is constituted so as to rotate freely withrespect to the other body protective member, the body orthosiscomprising: rotational load setting means for setting a rotational loadin one rotational direction of the rotatably constructed body protectivemember larger than a rotational load in the other rotational direction.2. A body orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the body protectivemember includes a sole plate for loading and supporting at least a partof a sole, and a leg protective plate for protecting at least a part ofa leg, and side ends adjacent to these members are connected to eachother by the rotational load setting means, thus constructing a lowerlimb orthosis.
 3. A body orthosis according to claim 2, wherein in thecase of walking by using the body protective member composed of the legprotective plate and the sole plate, the sole plate is rotated by a loadapplied at the time of landing the sole plate so as to set its bottomsurface parallel to the ground, and when the sole plate is lifted, asize of the rotational load is set so as to maintain the sole plate andthe leg protective plate in states immediately before the lifting.
 4. Abody orthosis according to claim 2 wherein the leg protective plateincludes a facies posterior cruris cuff for protecting a calf, and acalcaneus portion in the rear side of the sole plate and an Achilles'tendon portion in a lower end rear side of the facies posterior cruriscuff are formed to be open type.
 5. A body orthosis according to claim4, wherein a rotational center of the facies posterior cruris cuff isset at a height substantially equal to an upper-and-lower position of afoot joint axis of hominal physiology.
 6. A body orthosis according toclaim 4, wherein an opening is formed in a center of upper and lowersides of the facies posterior cruris cuff.
 7. A body orthosis accordingto claim 4, wherein a fixing member is provided to fix a human body tothe facies posterior cruris cuff or the sole plate over left and rightfront ends of the facies posterior cruris cuff or left and right upperends of the sole plate.
 8. A body orthosis according to claim 1, whereinthe rotational load setting means includes a one-way bearing provided ina rotary shaft portion of the rotatably constructed body protectivemember.
 9. A body orthosis comprising: a sole plate for loading andsupporting at least a part of a sole; a leg protective plate forprotecting at least a part of a leg; and a one-way bearing provided in arotary shaft portion of the leg protective plate to rotate the soleplate by a load applied at the time of landing the sole plate so as toset its bottom surface parallel to the ground in walking, and maintainthe sole plate and the leg protective plate in states immediately beforelifting when the sole plate is lifted.
 10. A body orthosis according toclaim 1, further comprising a thigh protective portion for covering atleast a part of a thigh, and a lower thigh protective portion forcovering at least a part of a lower thigh, wherein sides of thesemembers adjacent to each other are connected to each other by therotational load setting means, thus constructing a leg orthosis.
 11. Abody orthosis according to claim 1, further comprising an upper armprotective portion for covering at least a part of an upper arm, and afront arm protective portion for covering at least a part of a frontarm, wherein sides of these members adjacent to each other are connectedto each other by the rotational load setting means, thus constructing anarm orthosis.
 12. A body orthosis according to claim 2, wherein the soleplate is provided integrally with a bottom portion of a shoe. 13.Rotational load setting means for a body orthosis comprising: an outerside member having a circular concave portion inside; an inner sidecylindrical member having a circular convex portion fitted in the outerside member; a circular one-way bearing inserted into a portion heldbetween the concave and convex portions of the two members; a stopperportion fitted to the one-way bearing and a disk portion provided in theinner side cylindrical member; and a screw penetrates a screw holeprovided in the stopper portion and a screw hole provided in the outerside member.
 14. Rotational load setting means for a body orthosisaccording to claim 13, wherein the stopper portion has a protrudedportion, and is fitted in a long groove provided in the disk portion ofthe inner side cylindrical member.